The Punjab government has introduced an excellent initiative for promoting entrepreneurship and small businesses in 2025, named the “Asan Karo Bar Scheme Punjab.” The scheme aims to alleviate financial challenges for the people of Punjab and guide them toward self-reliance. This article highlights the scheme’s key features, eligibility criteria, and benefits.
Asan Karo Bar Scheme Punjab Key Features of the Scheme
The “Asan Karo Bar Scheme 2025” is a comprehensive plan that provides financial assistance to small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The main features include:
- Availability of loans at low-interest rates.
- Special training programs for new entrepreneurs.
- Exclusive concessions for women and differently-abled individuals.
- Flexible installment plans for loan repayment.
- Encouragement of innovative business ideas.
Eligibility Criteria
To benefit from this scheme, applicants must meet the following conditions:
- Age Limit: Applicants must be between 18 and 45 years of age.
- Citizenship: The applicant must be a Pakistani citizen and a resident of Punjab.
- Education: Minimum qualification of matriculation or an equivalent degree is required.
- Business Plan: Applicants need to submit a detailed business plan.
- Bank Account: Applicants should have an active bank account.
- Credit History: The applicant must have a clean financial record with no history of default with any bank or financial institution.
Asan Karo Bar Scheme How to Apply?
- Applications must be submitted digitally through the PITB portal.
- A non-refundable processing fee of PKR 500 is required.
- Authorized agencies will conduct digital verification of CNIC, creditworthiness, and business premises.
Loan Usage and Repayment Details
- First 50% Limit: Available for use within the first 6 months.
- Grace Period: 3 months after card issuance.
- After 3 months, borrowers must start paying monthly installments, with a minimum monthly payment of 5% of the outstanding loan balance (principal portion only).
- Second 50% Limit: Released upon satisfactory usage, regular repayments, and registration with PRA/FBR.
- Funds are restricted to business-related purposes; non-essential transactions (e.g., personal consumption, entertainment) are blocked.
- The remaining balance after the first year must be repaid over 2 years in Equal Monthly Installments (EMIs).
Asan Karo Bar Scheme Charges / Fees
- Annual Card Fee: PKR 25,000 + FED to be recovered from the obligor’s approved limit.
- Additional Charges: Life assurance, card issuance, and delivery charges are covered by the scheme.
- In case of late payment of installments, late payment charges will be recovered as per the Bank’s Policy / Schedule of Charges.
Security Details
- Personal guarantee digitally signed by the borrower.
- Life assurance is included in the portfolio.
- Urban Unit conducts physical verification of business premises within 6 months of loan approval and annually thereafter.
